~ Additive Manufacturing and Technology

Solidoodle – end of the road

Although the signs of impending doom were evident since late last Fall, Solidoodle formally announced end of operations on March 28. You can read Sam Cervantes’ message to the Solidoodle community here: http://www.solidoodle.com/blog.html

Solidoodle Press

As I expected, the Press was cited as a major reason for their demise. You can check my previous blog posts for my experience with an early released unit. This was a smart looking machine with miserable performance, although with time it did get better – but never close to my Solidoodle2, which continues to run even today (albeit with some needed modifications).

So another 3D printer manufacturer closes its doors. Sam doesn’t say what he is planning to do now that his company is gone, but I wish him luck in his future endeavors…

Being an inventor myself I have mused about going into my own full-time business – but as I’ve often observed, the money and management end of things is essential to long-term success. The 3D printer business is a very tough place to be. Just look back to the emergence of the personal computer – few of the originals are here today, and many of those businesses failed despite having a workable product.

Well if you ever decide to go into business for yourself, then make sure you have a good office manager, purchasing agent, account, etc. Also, weekly meetings are a must! Finally, be open to criticism.

Yes, indeed… one person can’t do it all and others are truly necessary to illuminate your blind spots! 😉 Communication has to be both ways and often, and successful companies work to insure that is how it is done.